Accessing dvd-rom on desktop computer with netbook

[Pokeman186]

I want to install microsoft word on my netbook, but I don't have a dvd-rom on it, so I heard I could access my drive on my desktop computer using http etc etc. Does anyone know how I can do it? Thanks.

[strollin]

Are they networked? If so, you can share the DVD drive and access it over the network.

You could also copy the files off the CD to a thumb drive and do the install from the thumb drive.

[glc]

Externals aren't that expensive.

Newegg.com - ASUS USB 2.0 8X Slim external DVD burner Model SDRW-08D2S-U/D-WT

[Pokeman186]

In regards to the usb way, I tried but said I had corrupt files. Do you think its because there's some hidden files on the cd and they didn't copy over? How can I see hidden files on a cd?

[rjfvillarosa]

Originally Posted by Pokeman186 I tried but said I had corrupt files.

As far as I am aware you cannot just copy a CD of that type to a pen drive, CD or whatever, there is more to it than that. I have never had to do it so I am not sure of the procedure.

[strollin]

Unless the install CD is bootable (usually only OS install CDs are bootable) there should be no reason why you can't copy the files to a thumb drive, I do it all the time. If you take the time to make the thumb drive bootable, you can also copy OS install files to a thumb drive. I have a Win 7 Pro install thumb drive I use all the time, really handy.

When I first got my netbook, I bought an external DVD drive for it since it didn't have one. I only used it a couple of times and hasn't been used in over a year. It's certainly nice to have but not necessary.

[strollin]

Originally Posted by Pokeman186 In regards to the usb way, I tried but said I had corrupt files. Do you think its because there's some hidden files on the cd and they didn't copy over? How can I see hidden files on a cd?

If you see messages that you have corrupt files then most likely your CD is dirty/scratched or otherwise damaged. If there were files that didn't get copied because they were hidden you would see messages telling you that file xyz couldn't be found.

If the CD isn't damaged, another way to use the USB thumb drive is to create an ISO image of the disk then copy the ISO to the thumb drive. Download and install Daemon tools Lite on the netbook which will allow you to mount the ISO image and it will appear as a CD drive on the netbook so you can do the install from there.

[laurandavid]

Originally Posted by glc Externals aren't that expensive. Newegg.com - ASUS USB 2.0 8X Slim external DVD burner Model SDRW-08D2S-U/D-WT

Bestbuy has some cheapers one you could maybe pickup or some that are same price once you add shipping.

external dvd drive - BestBuy

But nothing beats free if you can do it. Someone mentioned above, if they are networked, then just shared the dvd drive.

[glc]

$29.99 plus tax is cheaper? The Asus at Newegg is $22.99 after rebate with no tax and free shipping. Not only that, the $29.99 ones at Best Buy are refurbished and not sold in stores, only the outlet center. The same Asus at Best Buy is $49.99.

[laurandavid]

Originally Posted by glc $29.99 plus tax is cheaper? The Asus at Newegg is $22.99 after rebate with no tax and free shipping. Not only that, the $29.99 ones at Best Buy are refurbished and not sold in stores, only the outlet center. The same Asus at Best Buy is $49.99.

I did not see that. But I will always pay a little more if I dont have to wait for shipping. I guess yours is a better deal.

[glc]

You would have to wait for shipping on those from Best Buy's outlet too. The cheapest one available in stores is that $34.99 HP that's on sale, and it's not even a burner, just a reader.

Sorry, but Best Buy is the LAST place where you are going to get a good deal off the shelf. You will have a lot better luck at Microcenter or Fry's.

[laurandavid]

Originally Posted by glc You would have to wait for shipping on those from Best Buy's outlet too. The cheapest one available in stores is that $34.99 HP that's on sale, and it's not even a burner, just a reader. Sorry, but Best Buy is the LAST place where you are going to get a good deal off the shelf. You will have a lot better luck at Microcenter or Fry's.

You can get a good deal at Best Buy if you are looking for the right thing. I just bought an audio receiver, that is 3d ready, has 3 hdmi, and ipod usb control for under 200.00. That was a really good deal.